Stars Align to Save The Puppy Dogs

Everyone loves animals. Whether you're just a run of the mill animal appreciator who dodges furry critters on the highway, a level 2 enthusiast who has your pet's breed bumper stickered accross the back of your minivan, or a full fledged activist who pickets pet stores and carries around buckets of red paint to throw on the nearest fur-coat-wearing-fashionista, there's just something about those fuzzy little mammals that we humans can't resist. They're innocent, they listen, and they're loyal. Those are some pretty great characteristics. If only we could find lovers with such recommendations. No matter what level of animal lover you are, you won't want to miss Star Power For Animals, a great event to help the little guys who can't speak up for themselves - well unless Cesar Millan, The Dog Whisperer, is there to translate. Check out the press release below.


- Amy
Listening to Danny Elfman's music from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Gotta get in the Halloween spirit!


Star Power For Animals

SHARI BELAFONTE, PAUL DINI, TYLER MANE, ROCKSTARS & MORE!!!

Saturday, November 6th @ Musicians Institute Music Corridor and Amphitheatre in Hollywood

Former Founding Members of YES & TOTO First Los Angeles Concert:

YOSO Headlines “HUMANITY THRU MUSIC” Green Carpet
Charity Concert

ROB ZOMBIE – STEVE VAI – PAUL GILBERT – ALICE COOPER – MARKY RAMONE TYLER MANE – DEREK MEARS – GEORGE LYNCH, RICHIE KOTZEN & MORE

Signed Guitars & Drum Heads For Silent Auction SPECIAL LIMITED HALLOWEEN PRICE OF $35* @ WWW.TICKETFLY.COM

HOLLYWOOD, CA (October 27, 2010) – Stars come to walk the green carpet in support of HUMANITY THRU MUSIC Saturday, November 6th in Hollywood. Actress/photographer SHARI BELAFONTE, Com-Con Icon/Producer PAUL DINI, Actor TYLER MANE and many more celebs and Rockstars will grace this year First Annual Humanity Thru Music concert and dinner in support f building a No-Kill animal sanctuary in California.

What do Rob Zombie, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, Alice Cooper, Marky Ramone and so many other rockstars have in common? They all love animals and have signed guitars and more to help support the upcoming concert HUMANITY THRU MUSIC and the building of a No-Kill animal sanctuary. Right now you can get your ticket for $35 as a special Halloween price – Go to www.ticketfly.com;  or Paypal to donations@furfeather.org and get yours now!!!

Come wag your tail and rock-out in Hollywood on November, 6th at the First Annual “Humanity Thru Music” concert and paw-sta dinner in benefit of Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary a 501c3 dedicated to much needed animal welfare in California. Come help save the lives of our homeless animals from having to enter shelters and face needless euthanasia by supporting the building of Southern California’s first full NO-KILL animal sanctuary, medical and educational center. The night will dazzle you with bright lights and stars as you cross the green carpet to the corridor off of Hollywood Blvd for fun, food and a paw-stompin concert with Platinum super-group players from YES & TOTO – YOSO - playing hits from both bands Roundabout, Owner Of A Lonely Heart, Rosanna, Hold The Line and so much more!! Join celebrities and rockstars at the vegetarian Paw-sta buffet bar then trot over and chase your tail around one of the largest  silent auctions full of the best treats, including guitars signed by Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, George Lynch, drum heads signed by Marky Ramone, weekend trips, Hi-end spa weekends, signed sports memorabilia, autographed Star Wars memorabilia, Two Brunches at the House of Blues, Tickets from the LA Philharmonic (winter season) and Hollywood Bowl tickets (summer season), a Two Night Stay at the beautiful Carmel By the Sea, Cypress Inn - part owned by Doris Day and pet friendly. The list of auction items is endless and all proceeds go to Fur & Feather Animal Sanctuary to further their goal of building in 2011.

NIGHTS SCHEDULE: Will-call opens at 5:30 pm to check in and purchase tickets with the Green Carpet and silent auction starting at 6:00 pm. The vegetarian paw-sta buffet starts at 6:30 pm with a martini and wine bar.  8:00 pm is your cue to go rock-out to classic rock in the amphitheater for the concert that will start at 8:30pm.  The concert will end about 11:00 pm in which the guests will return to the corridor for the last chance to bid on the silent auction before the winners are announced.  At this time, coffee and dessert will be served.

ONLINE ADVANCE SALE: General Admission seats, dinner (festival seating) is now $35 till 11/01, reg. $50, VIP seating, dinner, dog tags and commemorative book  is $100 (guaranteed first 5 rows), $195 VIP Backstage (First 3 center rows seating guaranteed | VIP Lounge | After-Show Meet & Greet | Special YOSO Gift bag), Platinum group seating for 10 includes all above* $1250.

TO BUY TICKETS – Go to www.ticketfly.com, for Paypal go to www.myspace.com/furfeather;  OR Paypal directly with ticket seat-type and quantities to music@furfeather.org;  – You will be provided with a confirmation page you will bring to will-call night of the event. Will-call starts @ 5:30 pm sharp!

WALK-UP (day of show): General Admission seats, dinner and dog tags (festival seating) is $50, VIP seating, dinner, dog tags and commemorative book  is $100 (guaranteed first 5 rows), VIP Backstage not available. The term “Super-Group” describes a band rising out of two of the most creative bands of the past 30 years: YOSO is formed out of TOTO’s brilliant lead vocalist Bobby Kimball and the creative force of former YES members, Tony Kaye and Billy Sherwood, thus equalling the magic of YES with the voice of TOTO. However, YOSO is much more than a combination of two classic rock groups. The band’s debut album “Elements” will debut this Fall in the USA on Frontiers Records. This long awaited release comes with a bonus live CD where the band plays some old and new classics. Their musical blend presents a fascinating combination of the sound of YES ("90125"/"Big Generator" era) and TOTO, with a very interesting and original sound that truly encompasses the styles.

Tenley Molzahn at Mission Viejo Nordstrom

I had the pleasure of attending the Mission Viejo Nordstrom's Fall Fashion Show last Thursday night, where fresh looks for fall- including Holiday wear- were displayed for a group of eager fashion enthusiasts. An exciting element to the night was Tenley Molzahn of The Bachelor and The Bachelor Pad strutting her stuff down the runway as one of Nordstom's models for the night.

 [Tenley's look #1 - Click to enlarge]

  [Tenley's look #2 - Click to enlarge]

  [Holiday Party Wear - Click to enlarge]

I was able to chat with Tenley for a few minutes after the show- we talked about her man Kiptyn, her great jeans by Hollywood Million Denim, and local nonprofit Lily of the Valley Orphanage.

[Me & Tenley]

 She's super nice, down to earth, and has a big heart for those in need. And guess what, guys?! Tenley agreed to an interview with OCG for the December issue! Stay tuned for that goodness!

Leave a comment with any questions you'd like us to ask Tenley for the article! :)

-Blythe

on my iTunes: The Union Line's "Sunset on the Swamp"

Happy Hour Week: Sol Cocina

(Greg Long mixing up drinks at Sol Cocina. Photo courtesy of Sol Cocina)

Happy Hour Week is in full swing! Last night I dropped by Sol Cocina with OC Gazette photographer Blythe Hill for a little R n' R. Blythe left her camera at home and I let my design-weary eyes have the night off. We began our end of day unwind with a refreshing blended house margarita and a plate of tacos each. Nothing soothes you after a long day at work like good food with good friends. And nothing soothes your weary pocket book like some amazing happy hour deals! Sol Cocina had a plethora of happy hour specials to offer, and the deals went on all night long! Not only this, but we were serenaded with live music (The music mostly acoustic covers done with a mexican flare. Ever heard Bush's Glycerine mariachi style? You haven't lived until you have), our drinks were prepared by big wave surfer and reigning Billabong XXL Ride of The Year winner Greg Long who was guest bartending, and we got to watch the Lakers win the first game of the season from our comfy seats by the roaring fire.

You can enjoy the same incredible extended happy hour through Saturday. Don't forget to check out the other great local restaurants participating in OC Happy Hour Week here.

Bottoms up!

Amy
Listening to: Band of Horses' "Monsters"

The November Issue's out!

It's here! The November issue, like the classy little minx it is, proves that fashionably early is the new fashionably late. This month, you'll read all about beating the "winter white" via Unique Tan (whose Mission Viejo salon is the largest tanning salon in California).

You'll read about the history of Southern California's oldest court building (that's often used for Hollywood filming), you'll read about what inspires OC author T. Jefferson Parker, and you'll read about a cool local nonprofit organization that provides professional clothing to unemployed and disadvantaged OC-ers reentering the work place.

You'll also find pages of recipes for the holidays, DIY instructions for four great crafty decor pieces, and a calendar of November events in OC.

You can find all these articles, recipes, event listings, DIYs, and more on The OC Gazette website!
If you're one of those print-loving, hard-copy holding sort of folks (you're not alone!), you can find out how to get your paws on a copy of the magazine by clicking here.

From all of us to you, we wish you an early, very happy November! Let's ring in fall with the November issue, the premiere of Conan on TBS on 11/8, and some hot apple cider! *Cue warm fuzzy feelings.*

-Blythe

on grooveshark.com: Animal Collective's "My Girls"

OC Happy Hour Week

Happy Hour. The lifesaver at the end of your sinking ship of a day. The Good Samaritan that won't rob your wallet blind for a cocktail or beer. The reason to get your drink on before 5 o'clock. Well you can all send your "thank you"s to the Orange County Restaurant Association now, because hot on the heels of Orange County Restaurant Week they kicked off the 2nd Annual Happy Hour Week! The festivities began yesterday and will continue through Saturday October 30th. Some of the amazing local restaurants participating are Daily Grill, The Crow Bar, 320 Main, Ten Asian Bistro, K'ya Bistro, and more! Check out a list of Happy Hour Week highlights below.

So head out to one of these fine locations and grab a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a jack and coke - and make it a double. Consider it the fulfillment of your duty as a responsible Orange County citizen to support local business. Cheers!

ALL DAY + ALL WEEK HAPPY HOURS

·  118 Degrees  - $4 Tapas plates and $7 cocktails like the Mayhem Margarita

·  Bluewater Grill -All Day + All Week Happy Hour With $4, $5 & $6 Food And $5 Drink Specials

·  Catal and Uva Bar  - Sit and Relax at our Outdoor Uva Bar and enjoy our happy hour All Day + All Week.

·  Il Giardino  - $5 Cocktails & $6 Caprese, Calamari, Pizza, Fried Mozzarella and $7.50 for Antipasto Platter, Clams & Mussels

·  ECCO Happy Hour Specials ALL DAY Long . Food $3-$8 and Beer & Cocktails Only $3-$6

·  Kimera - $5 well, $5 wine, $5 Leblon caipirinha cocktail, $5 draft beer.

Enjoy their $10 Burger & Beer Combo or amazing small plates featuring their Charcuterie & Cheese bar.

·  Original Mike's - Half Price Appetizers + $2.25 Domestic Beer, $3.00 Imported Beer, $3.00 Margaritas, $3.00 House Wine, $3.00 Well Drinks (All day long in the antique bar and patio)

·  Savannah Chop House - $5 Appetizers such as Kobe Beef Sliders, Grilled Margarita Pizza and Calamari. Plus $2 Beer, $5 Well Drinks, Martinis, Wine, Champagne Cocktails. (All day all week in the lounge)

·  Ten Asian Bistro - All Day All Week - Appetizers & Chefs Specials $5, Cocktails $5 and $3 Drafts

·  The Crow Bar and Kitchen – All Day, All Night, All Week!!!

Amazing Small Plate Specials $54-$8, $5 mixed well drinks, $5 select wines by the glass, $4 select draft beers, 20% off all bottled beer, 15% off all wines by the bottle from our award winning wine list

·  Tommy Bahama's Island Grille – $5 Wine, $3 All Beers,

$6 Cocktails - ~ Bahia Sangria, Millionaire's Mai Tai, Margarita, Mojo My Mojito 

$5 Appetizers ~ Big Island Goat Cheese, Tommy's World Famous Coconut Shrimp, Laguna Beach Duo of Dips In the bar area and front patio ALL Day accept during Island Time:

EXTENDED HAPPY HOURS

·  El Torito – 13 LOCATIONS TO CHOOSE FROM - All Week Long - 2pm-8pm (Cantina Only)

$3 Original Gold Margaritas, $3 Domestic Drafts, $3 Well Drinks!, $3 Wine!

Plus 16 Discounted Food Specials starting at $1.99

·  Bistango 13 different Tapas Items only $6.00 and $5 Blue Ice Martinis or Cocktails only $6

From 5:00 until Close

·  Canyon - 9 delicious appetizers only $2.50 - $7 from 11:30 – 10pm

·  Cha Cha's Taco & Tequila - $5 Handcrafted Margaritas, Mojitos, Sangria

$4 Beers + Half off ALL appetizers – come party till we close.

·  Daily Grill – Irvine – Appetizers only $2.95 and cocktail Specials 2pm - Close

·  Derby Deli and Dueling Piano Bar  - $2 domestic draft pints,1/2 off select appetizers. $3 import/premium draft pints, $5 well drinks $5 house wine 2-7pm

·  Commonwealth  Newport & Fullerton - $4-$6 Appetizers, Well Cocktails $4, Crafts on Draft $4, Select Martinis & Boutique Wines $5

·  Fire and Ice  - $3, $4 & $5 Food & Cocktail Specials

·  Matador Cantina - Join them Sunday with their special Halloween Cocktails -  try a Jacks Smirking Revenge. Plus $3 Beers, $4 Wells, $5 Calls, $3 Wines, $5 Appetizers 11am – 8pm

·  Riptide Sushi – ½ off Select Appetizers, $3.00 off sushi, Wine, Well Drink & Beer Specials.

·  Sorrento Grille – Their Amazing $4, $6, $8 Happy Hour is extended 5pm- closing

·  The Rooftop Lounge - Monday-Friday 2-6pm  - Half Off All Mojitos, Beer, Wine and Well Drinks! $6

·  TAPS Fish House and Brewery – 11am – 7pm

Selected Appetizers $6. TAPS Signature Martinis Apple-tini, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop $6. Handcrafted Traditional European Style Ales & Lagers $4 Pitchers $14, Well Drinks $5  Selected Wines $5

·  The Catch - Happy Hour Week Hours 11am – 7am (in the Lounge)

The “Standard” Martinis 600 Cosmo. Appletini. Lemon Drop

The Catch Signature Pomeberry Martini $5 

Draft Beer TAPS Fish House & Brewery Award-Winning Cream Ale, Hefeweizen, Irish Red, Bud Light. Well Drinks, Selected Wines $5, Happy Hour Appetizers $6

·  Zov's - Newport & Irvine 4 – Close nightly (available at the bar and select tables)

Bar Appetizers - $5, $7 Specialty Martinis, $6 well drinks & $5 beer on tap

·  Zov's Bistro  (Mon – Sat   4 – Closing) $7 Specialty Martinis, $6 Well Drinks, 2 For $12 Appetizers

Plus Extended Happy Hours at Sage Eastbluff, McCormick & Schmick’s and Port

Visit Happy Hour Week online for the full list!

- Amy

Listening to: Jack White & Loretta Lynn's "Portland, Oregon"

Celebrating Gloomy Days in OC

As you probably know, October in Orange County typically means three things: hot, dry, with forest fires. While most of the country is experiencing the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall, we in the OC....aren't. Our fall means Santa Ana winds and canyon home evacuations. But not this year; no, 2010 has decided to be different. 

The weather's been gloomy for the past few days- quite possibly the longest stretch of gloom we've had around here, ever. As you know if you're a local (one who's not on vacation elsewhere), yesterday it poured. Thunder, lighting, the whole shebang. You know what? WE LOVE IT.

Amy and I took a pause from our busy work day (which says a lot- it's press week here, folks!) and went outside to take a few Singing in the Rain style photos.
Some of us (i.e. me) were more prepared for the downpour than others (i.e. Amy),

I'll admit, Amy's wedges are pretty 'bomb,' but maybe not the best choice for the day, in hindsight. How she managed to navigate the puddles and slippery walk with those puppies is a true testament to her all-around life-rocking abilities. [BTW: She's sporting her galoshes today]

How about you- did you enjoy the rain? Jump in puddles with your wellies and parka, or hibernate inside with cider and TV on DVD? Whatever you did, and whatever you do as the gloom continues, I hope you enjoy the unusual (and borderline 'real') fall we're having here. And do drive safely, please (with your headlights on)!

-Blythe

on my blip: Beirut's "A Sunday Smile"

South Pacific at OCPAC

[ David Pittsinger as Emile de Becque and Carmen Cusack as Nellie Forbush. Photo by Curtis Brown ]

Rogers and Hammerstein are to musicals what Joel and Ethan Coen are to film. You’re hard-pressed to find a dud in their repertoire of work. Together they are a hit-making machine, Richard Rogers providing the music, and Oscar Hammerstein II providing the lyrics. South Pacific is a prime example of their creative prowesses combined to make sweet, sweet music… literally.

[The cast performing "I'm Going To Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair." Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

OCPAC is showing South Pacific right now. I attended opening night along with hundreds and hundreds of other musical lovers. Everyone was bustling and excited to see the reinvention of the classic musical produced by the Lincoln Center Theate. The production rode into Orange County on a wave of rave reviews and incredible success at the 2008 Tonys. The production took home seven Tonys including Best Musical! The anticipation of the audience to see this award-winning production was the equivalent of a bunch of giddy children awaiting Christmas morning. I even heard one elderly gentleman singing “Some Enchanted Evening” (the most well-known South Pacific hit) as I shimmied to my seat. As the lights dimmed, the music swelled from the orchestra pit, which was full to capacity on this night, holding a full orchestra of 26 members, the largest orchestra of any touring Broadway production.

[ Anderson Davis as Lt. Joseph Cable and Sumie Maeda as Liat. Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

South Pacific follows the lives of two pairs of lovers on an island in the South Pacific during the second world war as they struggle to keep their relationships intact amidst the struggles of war, the call of duty, and the pressures of a racially prejudiced 1940’s society. The starring roles of French plantation owner Emile De Becque and Nellie Forbush, USN are played by David Pittsinger and Carmen Cusack. The second pair of lovers, Lt. Joseph Cable and young Tonkonese beauty Liat, are played by Anderson Davis and Sumie Maeda.

[ Matthew Saldivar as Luther Billis and The Seabees of SOUTH PACIFIC. Photo by Peter Coombs. ]

The men stole the production, led fearlessly by stars David Pittsinger and Anderson Davis. Less than five minutes into the musical, Paulo breaks out into an amazing rendition of “Some Enchanted Evening” that would have made late great baritone (and original cast member) Ezio Pinza proud. Then the men continue to shine in “There Ain’t Nothing Like A Dame,” one of my favorite moments of the show. The song laments the side effects of going through withdrawals from women, and the cast members sell the song, moaning and groaning around the stage, commiserating with one another. Next we get introduced to my favorite character, Lt. Joe Cable. I had high expectations for this character, as I loved the version that John Kerr played in the 1958 film version of South Pacific. I was not disappointed. Anderson Davis played Cable as a strong, tortured (and did I mention handsome?) young marine officer torn between love and duty. The way he sings “You Have To Be Carefully Taught” and “Younger Than Springtime,” is so beautifully vulnerable that it could make a grown man cry, to use the words of Mick Jagger. David Pittsinger takes the reigns again with a moving version of “This Could Have Been Mine.”

One woman stood out amongst the men, and surprisingly it wasn’t the leading lady, but rather the sharp tongued, ill-tempered Tonkonese souvenir slinger, Bloody Mary, played by Jodi Kimura. The sailors’ ode to her, “Bloody Mary,” is almost as funny as the character itself. Settle provides many a laugh throughout the 2 hour and 40 minute production, which at times is much needed when the musical hits on the deeper subjects of race and war.

South Pacific had it all: love, romance, action, rib-tickling humor, and some amazing singing performances. South Pacific at OCPAC was nothing less than an “enchanted evening.”

- Amy

Don't miss the show! It plays through October 24th.

More details:

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

October 12 – October 24, 2010

Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

Orange County Performing Arts Center – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

Tickets:            Start at $20

In person -       The Center Box Office

                        600 Town Center Drive

                        Costa Mesa, CA 92626

                        Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Online -            OCPAC.org

Phone -            714.556.2787

                        Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily

TTY number -   714.556.2746

Group Services - 714.755.0236

Tough Mudder Competition Review by OCG Writer Jordan Carver

by OCG writer/guest blogger Jordan Carver

It all started 7,500 ft above sea level: Thousands of adrenaline junkies all gathered together at the Bear Valley Mountain Resort for the most physically exerting day of many of our lives. The Tough Mudder competition occurs multiple times over the course of a year throughout the United States. The extreme mud run was created by British Special Forces to test the mettle of any man or woman who thinks they have what it takes to survive. The event is so difficult that it is called a challenge instead of a race; finishing this competition is a definite check off anyone’s bucket list. The course generally has around 18 obstacles including a 2,000 foot climb over a mile length, a submerged swim through 35 degree water, a mile-long log carry, and a mad dash through a wall of fire.

There were many times during the challenge that I thought I was going to collapse, but the camaraderie and teamwork of everyone running was enough to keep me on my feet. At any point, if a “mudder” began to struggle, another “mudder” was right there to get him/her back on their feet and through the next obstacle. 
If any of you sports enthusiasts, health buffs, or gym rats are looking for a way to prove that you are at the pinnacle of fitness, than this challenge is definitely for you. There will be another ToughMudder race at Snow Valley in Southern California in May of 2011. Tickets are much cheaper if you buy them early, so head to www.toughmudder.com to sign-up; all profits go to the Wounded Warrior Project. If you really want a challenge, our very own Green Berets have a special challenge called the Goruck Challenge. In the Goruck Challenge, each participant wears a backpack with 25-lbs of bricks on their back and runs the course with (and at the same speed as) the Green Berets. 

-Jordan

The Steelwells Music Video Premiere at Anaheim Film Fest

At the 2010 OC Music Awards, local favorites The Steelwells took the award for Best Song with their single "El Capitan." Subsequently, the boys took home the coveted prize of a music video, compliments of OC Music Awards and the Awards visual production company, Akorn Entertainment. The music video for “El Capitan” is now wrapped and set to premiere at the opening night gala of the inaugural Anaheim International Film Festival TONIGHT at UltraStar Cinemas at Anaheim GardenWalk. The Steelwells will deliver a special acoustic performance in conjunction with the premiere of the video.

The video for “El Capitan” is said to bring to life the song's story of a greedy sea captain who causes his own personal demise. The video is also rich with political undertones alluding to the 2010 Gulf oil spill crisis. I'm told that all the characters are played by wire and cardboard doll-like figures with miniature sets and props designed from found objects, hand-constructed into oceanic scenes. Talk about artsy! I'm intrigued.

Tickets to opening night of the Anaheim International Film Festival including the special premiere of “El Capitan” and acoustic performance by The Steelwells are $50 and are available online at www.anaheimfilm.org. The “El Capitan” video can also be seen online at OC Music Awards Youtube channel starting tomorrow!

-Blythe 

on my iTunes: "Knife" by Grizzly Bear